That's when the Regents Online Degree Program-Campus Collaborative threw him a lifeline. Johnathan was able to get his degree fully on the web, on his time. That made a difference to him, because he didn't have to take time away from his job or his family. Often his completed his coursework after the kids were in bed. He was able to work classes around his schedule. That's flexibility. Just the kind of thing that helped Johnathan turn his ship around. “It helped me find a good job...it's made a huge impact not only on my life, but on my family's life," he smiles. Looks like everything's smooth sailing!

The RODP-Campus Collaborative made it possible for Ashley to keep her job as a teacher's assistant while pursuing the degree that would help her fulfill her dream of being a teacher. As she teaches, she keeps learning. And as she continues her learning, she teaches even more. Has Ashley had bumps in the road? Sure, she found out RODP still fit into her life.

When she was involved in a serious four-wheeler accident, her injuries put her in a back and neck brace for weeks. While her body wasn't very flexible, her RODP schedule was. “Even after my accident, there was nothing that could stop me from continuing to pursue my dream,” she remembers. “The best thing about RODP was that I could go to school in my PJ's,” she laughs. To Ashley and the other 7000 online college students throughout the state, RODP means Realizing Our Dreams and Potential. Are you ready?

Dawn felt limited by the fact that there were no colleges or universities conveniently located near her. But with online learning, distance from campus isn't a factor. When she began to analyze the Regents Online Degree Program-Campus Collaborative, she liked what she found. Dawn deleted her old job and downloaded a new career program. RODP offered her classes that she could tailor around her newborn daughter's schedule. Soon she got her bachelor's degree right from home! “After I finished my bachelor's degree, I was so much more marketable...I have tons of possibilities...I feel like the world is my oyster!”

“The friendships developed become very valuable people to know,“ she adds. She is one of the thousands who have discovered the human side of high-tech education through the Regents Online Degree Program-Campus Collaborative. “I'm very happy with the way everything turned out. I wouldn't change a thing!”

Frank Horton's shoulders glisten as he punches the heavy leather bag suspended from the ceiling. Watching him box, it's hard to imagine him having anything but respect. But on his job as a computer programmer, that's exactly what he was experiencing. “I wasn't getting the respect I deserved,” he remembers. “When my boss came to me over and over asking basic questions about network makeovers and other elementary issues, I started thinking about moving up, because I knew the answers to the questions. I started thinking about my degree-that was my moment of determination. I had the experience, but no degree.” Frank knew that without his degree, particularly in the information technology field, he was going down for the count. But he wasn't about to let his lack of education be a knockout blow. He stepped back into the ring and into the Regents Online Degree Program-Campus Collaborative.

He found the flexibility to complete his education while still working full time. And he found even more than that–the respect he deserved from his peers and associates in the information technology field. “This is the best step toward getting your degree, furthering your education and self-gratification,” he smiles. “It gives you the edge when jockeying for that position getting a job,” he nods. And it helps to know that the online instructors are in your corner, too. “All my teachers were very responsive…they completely understand the online process,” he adds.

“I wouldn't have changed anything…it's one of the best experiences I've ever had. I loved it!” he says excitedly. Are you like Frank--ready to take another swing at college? Lace up your gloves and step into the ring with RODP-Campus Collaborative.